Oral Cancer Screenings in Auburn, WA

Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and gums. If caught early, oral cancer can be effectively treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hyperthermia therapy. However, if left untreated, oral cancer can lead to further long-term complications, including the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Preventative care is the best way decrease your chances of developing oral cancer. At Sunrise Dental of Auburn, we recommend that our patients receive oral cancer screenings in Auburn, WA, as part of their oral health routine.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Our skilled dentists near you at Sunrise Dental of Auburn in Auburn, WA, will ask you a series of questions and examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer:

• Red or white patches on the mouth or tongue
• Mouth sores
• Thickening of the gums or lump on the lining of the mouth
• Jaw swelling
• Bleeding or pain in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• Loose teeth without any cause

The results of your oral cancer screening will determine the next best course of action. If our dentists in Auburn, WA, think there is something abnormal, a biopsy will be ordered. A simple oral cancer screening is not used to definitively diagnose oral cancer. Only a biopsy can diagnose or rule out oral cancer cells. If your biopsy results come back positive, our dentists will work with the oncologists to quickly get you the treatment you need.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer?

People of all ages should get oral cancer screenings as part of their oral health routine. However, you may be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer if you:

• Smoke or chew tobacco
• Have a family history of cancer
• Have a personal history of head or neck cancer
• Have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Consume excessive alcohol

Be vigilant about your oral health and the prevention of oral cancer. Call Sunrise Dental of Auburn in Auburn, WA, for more information and to schedule your oral cancer screening today.

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